AboutKidsHealth

Brain tumours

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Neurology;Oncology

Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)

Brain

Conditions and diseases

Caregivers Adult (19+)

2018-01-19T05:00:00Z

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<p>A brain tumour is any abnormal group of cells in the brain. Learn about the different types of brain tumours and how they are graded. Also learn how different types of tumours are diagnosed and how each is treated.</p>

<p>A brain tumour is any abnormal group of cells in the brain. Brain tumours are rare in children with about 300 cases diagnosed in Canada each year. Learn about the different types of brain tumours and how they are graded. Also learn how different types of tumours are diagnosed and how each is treated.</p>

<div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Brain tumours: Overview</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>A brain tumour (or growth) is an abnormal group of cells in the brain. Learn about the different parts of the brain, the causes and symptoms of brain tumours and who is involved in the care and treatment of a child with a brain tumour.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1306&language=English">Brain tumours: An overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1307&language=English">An overview of the brain</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1320&language=English">The brain tumour health-care team</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1832&language=English">Informed consent</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.sickkids.ca/en/care-services/centres/brain-tumour-research-centre/">SickKids Brain Tumour Research Centre</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Types of brain tumours</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Not all brain tumours are the same. The symptoms and severity of a brain tumour depend on the area of the brain it's in and the type of tumour. Learn more about the different types of brain tumours</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1311&language=English">Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1309&language=English">Low grade gliomas</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1312&language=English">High grade gliomas</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1313&language=English">Ependymomas</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1314&language=English">Medulloblastomas</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1315&language=English">Rhabdoid tumours</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1316&language=English">Craniopharyngiomas</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1317&language=English">Central nervous system germ cell tumours (CNS-GCT)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1318&language=English">Other tumour types</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Diagnosis of brain tumours</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Diagnosis is an important stage in understanding what is happening with your child. A diagnosis will help the treatment team choose the most effective treatment for your child. Learn what happens during the diagnostic stage.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1321&language=English">Diagnosing and categorizing brain tumours</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1272&language=English">Computerized tomography (CT) scan</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1270&language=English">Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3380&language=English">Lumbar puncture</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1277&language=English">Electroencephalogram (EEG)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1332&language=English">Brain tumours and neurological examinations</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1646&language=English">Blood work</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1338&language=English">X-rays</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1335&language=English">Brain biopsy</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Treatment of brain tumours</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Learn about the types of available treatments for brain tumours, as well as potential side effects of each treatment and how to manage them.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1348&language=English">Making decisions about your child's care</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1396&language=English">Clinic visits and brain tumours</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=52&language=English">Central venous line (CVL) insertion</a></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h3>Surgery</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1349&language=English">Pre-surgery for brain tumours</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1261&language=English">General anaesthesia</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1351&language=English">Surgery for brain tumours</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1352&language=English">After surgery for brain tumours</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1377&language=English">Complications from brain tumour surgery</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1394&language=English">Going home after brain tumour surgery</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1395&language=English">Caring for your child at home after brain tumour surgery</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=858&language=English">Hydrocephalus and treatment: Shunts and endoscopic third ventriculostomy</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1382&language=English">Complications from ventriculostomy and shunts for brain tumours</a></li></ol></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h3>Chemotherapy</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1357&language=English">Chemotherapy for brain tumours</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1527&language=English">High dose chemotherapy</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=91&language=English">Carboplatin</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=92&language=English">Carmustine</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=102&language=English">Cisplatin</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=113&language=English">Cyclophosphamide</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=134&language=English">Etoposide</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=155&language=English">Ifosfamide</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=175&language=English">Lomustine</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=180&language=English">Mechlorethamine</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=246&language=English">Temozolomide</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=252&language=English">Thiotepa</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=262&language=English">Vincristine</a></li></ol></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h3>Radiation therapy</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1353&language=English">Radiation for brain tumours</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1381&language=English">Potential side effects from radiation for brain tumours</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/RaimZnCz5i4">Radiation therapy part 1: The planning CT scan (video)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://youtu.be/GkjVBfiDOsg">Radiation therapy part 2: Radiation treatment (video)</a></li></ol></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h3>Steroids</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1354&language=English">Steroids for brain tumours</a></li></ol></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h3>Complementary and alternative therapies</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1383&language=English">Complementary and alternative therapies for brain tumours</a></li></ol></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Complications and side effects of brain tumours and treatments</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>A brain tumour and it's treatments can cause a range of short-term and long-term side effects and complications. Some children may not have any side effects while others will experience several over many years.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1376&language=English">Complications and side effects of brain tumour treatments</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=863&language=English">Fever and neutropenia</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1406&language=English">Swallowing problems after brain tumour surgery</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1399&language=English">Seizures and brain tumour treatment</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1431&language=English">Lung, heart, kidney and bladder effects of brain tumour treatment</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1341&language=English">Behaviour changes and brain tumours</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1423&language=English">Physical and sensory effects after brain tumour treatment</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/pain">Pain Learning Hub</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1429&language=English">Effects of brain tumours and treatment on the adrenal glands</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1430&language=English">Diabetes insipidus after brain tumour treatment</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1424&language=English">Effects of brain tumours and treatment on growth in childhood</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1426&language=English">Osteoporosis after brain tumour treatment</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1428&language=English">Puberty and fertility in boys after diagnosis and treatment for brain tumours</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=4014&language=English">Puberty and fertility in girls after diagnosis and treatment for brain tumours</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1425&language=English">Thyroid abnormalities after brain tumour treatment</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Nutritional issues and brain tumours</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>A brain tumour and its treatments can impact appetite and weight gain. Some children may have difficulty eating while others experience excess weight. Learn more about how these issues can be managed.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1400&language=English">Nutritional issues with brain tumours and treatment</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1427&language=English">Excess weight gain after brain tumour treatment</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/tubefeeding">Feeding tubes</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Rehabilitation</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Your child will likely need rehabilitation after treatment to help with mobility, swallowing, mutism or other concerns. Learn about the different types of rehabilitation therapists and how they can help your child</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1405&language=English">Physiotherapy after neurosurgery</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1406&language=English">Occupational therapy and swallowing problems after brain tumour surgery</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1407&language=English">Speech and language therapy for mutism after brain tumour surgery</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Learning effects</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Read about how to support your child at school after brain tumour treatment, as well as the potential effects a brain tumour and its treatments can have on learning.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1410&language=English">Brain tumour diagnosis and advocating for your child in school</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1411&language=English">Back in the classroom after brain tumour treatment</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1409&language=English">Neuropsychological assessments for children with brain tumours</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1408&language=English">When brain tumour treatment affects learning</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Coping, mental health and wellbeing supports</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Discover articles, guided meditations, and more to help both you and your child cope with stress, find a moment of peace, and understand your thoughts and emotions.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/managingcancer">Managing Cancer Learning Hub</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1412&language=English">Coping with a brain tumour and its treatment</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1340&language=English">Helping your child cope with a brain tumour</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1417&language=English">Caring for yourself when you have a child with a brain tumour</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1344&language=English">Brain tumours: Helping siblings cope</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1342&language=English">Brain tumours and self-image</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/mentalhealth">Mental Health Learning Hub</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjJtOP3StIuUqygVImi9jHrS0JmqZFpWw">Guided audio meditations</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjJtOP3StIuXFJ3jjjR3THLhHNMrFFJkM">Mental health animations for kids and teens</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Looking ahead and life after treatment</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Read about what to expect from family life and follow-up visits after brain tumour treatment ends.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1419&language=English">Brain tumours: Life after treatment</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1421&language=English">Follow-up visits after brain tumour treatment</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1432&language=English">Secondary cancer after a brain tumour</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Palliative care</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Palliative care includes reducing the physical, psychological, social and spiritual suffering that is associated with serious illness. Learn more about palliative care and talking to kids about serious illness.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=4058&language=English">What is palliative care?</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=4060&language=English">Talking to kids about serious illness</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1691&language=English">Grief and bereavement</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Additional resources</h2></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://jordanasrainbows.com/">Jordana's Rainbows</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://childrensoncologygroup.org/index.php/cog-family-handbook">Children's Oncology Group Family Handbook</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://aphon.org/education/patient-family-resources">Association of Pediatric Haematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON)</a></li></ol></div>

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